If you've ever walked out of a meeting thinking, "Well, that was a waste of time," this one's for you. The article from Stay SaaSy breaks down the art of better interactions, especially in meetings, by tackling common pitfalls and bad habits. From avoiding unnecessary frustrations to mastering the power of note-taking, these tips aren't just about meeting etiquette—they're about steering conversations in your favor. You’ll learn why "boundary objections" are usually pointless, how letting small inaccuracies slide can save valuable time, and why proper scheduling can make or break an important discussion. As the article puts it: "Stop having meetings with 5 topics that get cut off and produce no value. Discuss 2 points well and find time for the rest or punt them."

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t Fall for the "Frustration" Trap: If someone suggests you're frustrated in a meeting, immediately clarify: "I’m not frustrated, I’m just making sure X is accounted for."
• Take Notes, Be a Leader: The simple act of taking notes helps structure discussions, slow things down during heated moments, and ensures key ideas don’t get lost.
• Ignore Boundary Objections: Arguments like "If we allow this, chaos will ensue!" are usually unproductive and dismissive. Stay focused on the real issue.
• Let Minor Inaccuracies Slide: If a small detail isn’t relevant to the key decision, don’t waste time correcting it. If needed, clarify with a follow-up later.
• Time Your Meetings Wisely: Avoid major meetings on Mondays, Fridays, or late in the day. Keep 1:1s at consistent times for better rhythm and preparation.
• Agenda Should Prioritize, Not Dictate: Don’t rush through every agenda item. Focus on meaningful discussions rather than covering everything inefficiently.

By tweaking how you handle meetings and interactions, you can enhance productivity, steer conversations effectively, and avoid unnecessary frustration. Time to level up your meeting game! 🎤
Link to Article